Tigers all defensive over rival’s tactics
LABRADOR coach Aaron Shattock admits his side has to find a way to “get going” at times despite further extending their QAFL unbeaten run.
The Tigers were given a scare against Wilston-Grange on Saturday, having all sorts of trouble dealing with the defensive-minded Gorillas at Cooke-Murphy before prevailing 11.15 (81) to 11.4 (70).
It was a flooding style that blunted Labrador’s potent attack although AFL Hall of Famer Barry Hall booted six goals despite facing as many as three defenders at times.
Hall sporadically looked frustrated by the attention that often escaped the umpires.
“It was a funny old game, we just couldn’t get going,” Tigers coach Shattock said.
“Their negating style probably frustrated us a bit and it was a lesson learnt.”
Shattock pointed out that Labrador had 11 more scoring chances but did not play smart, especially up to half-time when they trailed by five.
“I asked the players at halftime who thought they had good games – no one put their hands up,” Shattock said.
Southport-listed Dyson Budarick was excellent in the midfield, Charlton Offermans stood out on a flank but it was creative midfielder Adam Clarke who was Tigers’ best.
Palm Beach-Currumbin showed some ominous form leading into the finals with a clinical 22.14 (146) to 5.13 (43) win over the Western Magpies at Sherwood Oval.
With star forward Jarryd Douglas, flanker Josh Woolley and lively small man Dylan Troutman back in the side, the Lions had way too much artillery to fire at the home side and built up; a lead of 55 points by half-time. The good news for coach Chad Owens is that more stars – Jake Dignan, Ben Headland and Liam McNeven – missed the weekend and can only add to the depth of the Lions.
“The Magpies were very young and we put them away pretty early, which is what you need to do with a side like that,” Owens said.
“The three who came back into the side could only help – they were really influential.”
PBC again dominated the midfield with arguably the best group of runners in Jason Burge, Tyler Cornish and Jesse Derrick on fire.
At Ord Minnett Oval Broadbeach turned it on against bottom side Sandgate, taking the match by 25.13 (163) to 10.9 (69).
Former Aspley star Eddie Sansbury kicked six and young Jack O’Shea four after the Cats led by 61 points at half-time.
The Cats kicked 9.3 and 9.2 in the second and fourth terms.
Best for the winners were Benji Neal and O’Shea on the ball and full-back David King.